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England's T20 series versus New Zealand concluded exactly how it began, due to rain. On a previously dry day, the conditions teased and taunted. Precipitation first appeared at 7.17pm, moments following play commenced. Following a short restart, it returned, halted, allowed the crew some opportunity to dry the field, allowed the umpires to schedule a 10pm restart, and then resumed pouring at 9.59pm. Twenty-five balls were bowled.

"You don’t want to come such a distance to New Zealand and have just one match," Harry Brook said. "Extremely annoying."

For the record, England won the toss and chose to bowl. The initial overs went for four, both hit by Tim Seifert—a tantalising glimpse of the scoring potential a mix of a placid wicket, strong winds, and Eden Park’s diminutive boundaries might have produced.

Two of the last three deliveries cleared the ropes, the batters sending it into the crowd. New Zealand stood at 38 for one, off 3.4 overs, as the match was called off.

Despite his disappointment, Harry still has three ODIs to come, but a trio of this England squad will no longer be involved when play shifts to the Bay Oval on the weekend. Crawley will stay in New Zealand to prepare for the Ashes while Phil Salt (60 balls faced) and Jordan Cox (18) return home.

This Friday is the one-year mark of Cox's exclusion from the Test matches in New Zealand with a thumb fracture sustained in training. He likely hopes his luck in this country would be as unpredictable as local conditions.

It marked the initial attempt an international had been attempted in Auckland in October and clearly showed the reason. "I guess October rain is always a potential," commented skipper Santner. "It’s always nice to face England any season. The issue being that they spent most of the time scheduled to play England without actually playing."

England managed to secure a single win, thus taking the series, and Harry's summary of it was as optimistic as whoever scheduled it: "We’ve had great enjoyment," he remarked. "We’ve gained a lot. To be able to spend time together and try to become good mates surely aids you during games. We enjoyed ourselves and smiles. It’s been very worthwhile."